Amaco Wireform Mesh

Amaco WireForm is a specially manufactured metal mesh that is pliable enough to mold, yet sturdy enough to add structure to clays and modeling materials. It works exceptionally well as a base for clay, plaster, and papier mâché. A flat piece of WireForm easily transforms into three-dimensional shapes by simply molding, crimping, twisting, expanding, and gathering.

Amaco WireForm Expandable Mesh is made from specially manufactured metals that give it incredible flexibility and strength. Its unique raised diamond strands expand to form three-dimensional shapes. Since it can be stretched into tight contours and shapes, it is ideal for detailed projects and delicate crafts. Heavier meshes are recommended for supporting sculptures using polymer clay or casting compounds.

Studio Mesh
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Flexible and expandable 3/8" (9.5 mm) pattern may be stretched and shaped to create an armature or a finished sculpture.

WireMesh
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This woven 80 mesh looks and feels like fabric, but will hold its shape. Cuts easily with scissors and can be used to create a variety of art and craft projects. Available in both copper and brass.

I decided to try this product to bend over objects and then cover with a surface I could use encaustic medium on. This mesh cuts and bends easily but can leave small pieces that need to be carefully trimmed. I'm also experimenting with sandwiching this mesh between papers but don't have enough info to provide feedback on that...

I ordered the wireform mesh after speaking with a customer service person, since I'd never used this type of material before. She was very helpful and described the various types of mesh and how they would be to work with. She also offered me samples, but I declined the offer. When the order was delivered, initially I was disappointed in the product, since I had imagined it to be softer and more flexible. But since then I've ordered another, softer mesh (which is on it's way), and I'm having a great time experimenting and discovering the endless possibilities this material offers.

Wire mesh is great for shaping a 3-D form and then adding moist media over it and allowing it to harden. It serves as a support both during the process of creating and continues to act in providing strength in the finished product/artwork. The thin mesh allows for some fine fashioning, however, not for truly fine detail. The wires that are exposed on the cut ends of the sheet of wire can scratch and cut skin, and this makes this product not appropriate for young children. The age group best served by this product is high school and above.